Parent arrested after toddler brings loaded gun to daycare in backpack
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A parent has been taken into custody after a toddler pulled a loaded handgun out of a backpack at a daycare in southeast Michigan on Monday, according to police.
The shocking incident unfolded at a facility in Canton, where quick-thinking staff managed to disarm the child before anyone was injured. Canton Police Chief Joseph Bialy praised the workers at a press conference, saying an instructor spotted the weapon immediately and stepped in to secure it.
Bialy, who reviewed security footage of the incident, described watching the toddler retrieve the gun as "shocking" and terrifying to witness, despite knowing no one was hurt.
“The protocols that they had in place, the fact that they had an instructor in the room that was able to safely remove the firearm from this toddler, I do believe kept everybody safe and avoided a tragedy,” Bialy said.
The chief confirmed that the child’s other parent is a police officer in a neighboring jurisdiction, but noted that the weapon brought to the daycare was a personal handgun rather than an official service weapon.
While Bialy stated that he did not believe there was any "ill intent" behind the incident, he stressed that it highlights the critical necessity of proper gun safety and keeping firearms entirely out of children's reach.
Following the terrifying near-miss, the daycare announced it is tightening its security protocols and will begin searching all children's backpacks upon arrival.
Children’s World Early Learning Center described the incident as unfortunate in a statement.
“We pride ourselves on being one of the safest centers in the Canton area. It is our priority. Although this incident was out of our control, we are very proud of our staff and especially the teacher who responded so quickly,” the daycare said in a statement.
The school has disenrolled the family, reports WDIV.
Meanwhile, Chief Bialy said, “We have to understand where our firearms are, and we have a duty to make sure that we keep them secure. The law is very clear. If a child is present or you anticipate a child being present, you have to take those precautions.”
